Overall, his interview with John Doerr, Kleiner's lead partner, went well, says a source who attended the event.

Doerr got Gates to open up "professionally and personally" and Gates got a standing ovation at the end, according to a Kleiner spokesperson.

But there was one awkward moment.

Doerr asked Gates how he met his wife, Melinda.

"At work," Gates reportedly said. "Back when that was okay."

Doerr and Gates shared a laugh at his response. The Kleiner spokesperson says the audience was "entertained" by it.

Dating coworkers is a sensitive topic anywhere these days, but it's especially sensitive at Kleiner.

The firm is embroiled in a lawsuit alleging gender discrimination and retaliation with one of its partners, Ellen Pao. While Kleiner has denied most of Pao's claims, both sides agree that Pao's complaints originate with a sexual affair she had with another partner, Ajit Nazre, who left the firm earlier this year.

Also, Kleiner partner Ray Lane's wife previously worked for him as an administrative assistant at Oracle.

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Comments

The Bleachers

What a piece of bullshit article. Who gives a damn?
What message there is? I can't see one.

Bill Gates involves heavily in many important tasks, like reducing the CO2 and fighting poverty. And you write about such a stupid detail and it's on first page on linked.in? Seriously?
Oh my god, where is this "civilization" going. Or maybe I should say falling, as it lost control long time ago. If it ever had one.